Unveiling Our Ongoing Deck Transformation: Expansion and Creative Pergola Design (Part 2)

In our previous blog post, we laid the foundation for our deck, and now it’s time to add the finishing touch with a stylish railing. There’s a plethora of railing options out there, so to help you choose the perfect one, we’ve compiled a list of key features to consider.

Our deck is elevated, and we don’t have any natural privacy barriers like trees. To address this, we decided to incorporate privacy into our railing design. After extensive research, we settled on a horizontal slat style that not only offers privacy but also complements the aesthetics of our home.

Initially, we were drawn to some sleek metal posts, but budget constraints led us to explore alternative options. Ultimately, we opted for pressure-treated 4×4 posts, combining 1×6 and 1×4 horizontal lines to add an intriguing twist to the design. When we couldn’t find 1×2 boards at the hardware store, we improvised by cutting our 1×4 boards in half using a table saw.

Our goal was to achieve a 36″ tall railing, so we acquired a 4x4x6 post and cut it in half. We secured it to the deck with brackets and carefully measured, cut, and attached the side boards to the outside of the posts. To create a visually appealing pattern, we alternated between 1×6 and 1×2 boards, maintaining consistent spacing by inserting 1×2 pieces between each layer.

We also ensured that there was ample space on the west side of the deck for Chuck’s plants to bask in the sunlight. Chuck recently added some lemon and lime trees to his collection, placing them in elegant white pots. They add a delightful touch of greenery to the deck’s ambiance.

Since we used pressure-treated lumber, we’ll have to wait until spring to paint or stain the wood. This delay provides us with ample time to decide on the best treatment options. Stay tuned for part 3, where later this month, we’ll be enhancing the safety and modernizing the deck’s stairs.